April 20, 1927 - November 04, 2014
Bernice Delores Maas Obituary
Bernice Delores Maas, long-time resident of Spokane, peacefully passed away November 4, 2014. Born April 20, 1927 in Bismarck North Dakota to Olaf and Bertha Quale, Bernice was third of four children. Her siblings were two older brothers, Lloyd and Russell and younger sister Betty. The Quale family farmed east of Bismarck, near Driscoll where Bernice attended school and enjoyed an active life filled with farm chores, sports and horseback riding. An accomplished horsewoman, she excelled in barrel racing and other rodeo events in nearby communities.
Bernice married Willard (Stub) Maas on October 28, 1948 in Bismarck, North Dakota. The couple farmed in Moffit, ND until Stub was recalled to active duty in the US Air Force after serving in WWII. The couple enjoyed tours of duty throughout the States and raised three children before making Spokane their permanent home after retiring from active military duty in 1966.
Bernice worked at Spokane?s Crescent Department Store for several years and enjoyed catering with her aunt and cousin. Proud of her Norwegian heritage, Bernice and Stub were active members of Sons of Norway, VFW Post 51 and the Moose Lodge. They enjoyed travel, wintering in Arizona, and spending precious time with grandchildren.
Preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother Russell, and infant son Ray, Bernice is survived by her daughter, Carol Simpson of Coeur d?Alene, ID, son and daughter-in-law Dennis and Janice Maas of Spokane, son David Maas of Heron, MT, sister Betty Rohrich of Steele, ND, brother and sister-in-law Lloyd and MaryAnn Quale of Arena, ND, sister-in-law Julia Maas of Crocker, SD, Uncle Ralph Holm of Seattle; eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and many nephews and nieces.
Bernice will be remembered for her energetic love of life, music, her smile and bringing sunshine into the lives of all. Her children and grandchildren are forever grateful for her influence in shaping their lives ? to stand tall, move with purpose, love and respect one another, laugh out loud and enjoy life.
A visitation will be held on Monday, November 10. 2014 at Heritage. A Memorial Service will be held on November 11, 2014 at 1PM, Heritage Funeral Home. The family wishes to thank the management and staff of Clare Bridge Spokane and Hospice of Spokane for their exceptional care. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Hospice of Spokane and/or the Alzheimer?s Foundation of America.